Acupuncture in the Clinical Treatment of Orofacial Pain

Objectives:the objective is to demonstrate a case in which we proved the contribution of acupuncture in the remission of symptoms involving the structures of the stomatognathic system. In the initial case described below, the patient SAF, aged 31, presented herself in the way to Occlusion, Temporomandibular Dysfunction and Orofacial Pain in Patients with Special Needs – EDS, complaining of constant headaches in the temporal muscle radiating throughout the face, pain in the TMJ, back of the neck and left shoulder. The patient also reported being very anxious, biting strongly and grinding teeth, suffering from constant insomnia. She underwent medical history, clinical examination and electromyographic evaluation of masticatory muscles. Methods:for the Helkimo index, nitially the patient had an index of dysfunction group 4 (Dill4), and history index with one or more mild symptoms (All). According to the protocol of care, clinical pain was measured on the VAS scale initial 6. The patient underwent nine sessions of acupuncture once a week, each session lasting 40 minutes, for 2 and a half months. Needle Points: E6, E7, ID18, ID19, IG4, IG11, IG15, F3, HN3, RM4, C7, R3, P7, VB20, VB14, DM20. Results:after treatment, the patient was feeling lively and relaxed. The index fell to moderate dysfunction in group 2 (Dill2), keeping the history index. The amplitudes of mandibular movements were changed with the treatment applied. In clinical evolution, the VAS scale was obtained as the final value 0. Conclusions:it is concluded that acupuncture is effective in the treatment and relief of facial pain, as besides promoting the release of endorphins and serotonin in the blood, it gives a better quality of life back to the patient, by restoring his body as a whole because of its holistic approach.